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The Best Homemade SpaghettiOs with Mini Meatballs

Published on August 25, 2024 by Sarah Troester
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Homemade spaghettiOs with baked mini meatballs is a childhood favorite that the whole family will love! Simple, classic ingredients come together quickly for a saucy, savory better-for-you comfort meal.

This homemade spaghettiOs with mini meatballs is comfort food made with love and just a little bit of nostalgia. As a busy mom and teacher, I’m always on the lookout for meals that are not just delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. I need recipes that save me time in the kitchen while satisfying my family’s taste buds.

One recipe that has become a staple in our house is homemade spaghettiOs with mini meatballs. It’s a nostalgic dish that brings back fond childhood memories, and now, it has become a beloved meal for my own kids as well.

My middle school son is particularly enamored with this dish. Almost every week, he requests it for his lunch at school. There’s just something about those little pasta shapes and bite-sized meatballs that captures his heart (and stomach!).

Knowing that he’s eating something wholesome instead of a processed can of spaghettiOs makes me feel good as a mom. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that I can incorporate it into our meal prep for the week.

Get ready to add this delicious recipe to your weekly rotation!

why your whole family will love this homemade spaghettiOs with meatballs recipe

  • Delicious Flavor
  • Classic Comfort
  • Quick and Easy
  • Crowd-pleaser
  • Kid-friendly

ingredients

To make this easy and delicious homemade spaghettiOs with mini meatballs recipe you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!

Here’s what we are working with:

mini meatballs
  • ground beef (or turkey)
  • breadcrumbs
  • grated parmesan cheese
  • chopped parsley
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • egg
sauce
  • tomato sauce
  • broth
  • italian seasoning
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • salt and pepper
pasta
  • small pasta shapes (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)

how to make homemade spaghettiOs with meatballs

Make the meatballs:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg.

Using a teaspoon, roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

prepare the sauce:

In a large saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

cook the pasta:

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

combine:

Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the sauce and let them simmer for 5-10 minutes to absorb some flavors.

Serve warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

can I meal prep homemade spaghettiOs with meatballs?

Yes! On busy Sundays, I often set aside a little time to make a big batch of these SpaghettiOs with mini meatballs. I cook up a double batch of sauce and meatballs and portion them out for lunches or quick dinners.

I store them in individual meal prep containers, and my son can easily reheat them in his thermos for school. Pairing it with a side of fresh fruit or a small salad makes for a well-rounded meal that keeps him energized throughout the day.

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having a home cooked meal on the table your whole family loves, but one that saves you time behind the scenes. 

Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe. 

If you have any questions or comments, feel free leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.

Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!

ENJOY!

The Best Homemade SpaghettiOs with Mini Meatballs

  • SFSugar Free
Homemade spaghettiOs with baked mini meatballs is a childhood favorite that the whole family will love! Simple, classic ingredients come together quickly for a saucy, savory better-for-you comfort meal. 
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

for the meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • salt and pepper , to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten

for the sauce

  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • tsp italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste

for the pasta

  • 1 cup small pasta shapes, ditalini or elbow macaroni

Instructions 

  • Make the Meatballs: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg. Using a teaspoon, roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Combine: Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the sauce and let them simmer for 5-10 minutes to absorb some flavors. Serve warm, garnished with additional parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

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